Measurements and radio link monitoring in a wireless communications system

ABSTRACT

Facilitating measurements and radio link monitoring in a wireless communications system is provided herein. A method can comprise determining, by a network device of a communications network and comprising a processor, a first resource configuration related to first measurement resources of a first radio link between a mobile device and a first distributed unit of distributed units of the communications network. The method can also comprise determining, by the network device, a second resource configuration related to a second measurement resources of a second radio link between the mobile device and a second distributed unit of the distributed units. Further, the method can comprise facilitating, by the network device, a transmission of a report that comprises the first resource configuration and the second resource configuration.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to each of,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/837,695 (now U.S. Pat. No.11,140,054), filed Apr. 1, 2020, and entitled “MEASUREMENTS AND RADIOLINK MONITORING IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM,” which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/587,237 (now U.S.Pat. No. 10,644,974), filed May 4, 2017, and entitled “MEASUREMENTS ANDRADIO LINK MONITORING IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM,” theentireties of which applications are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates generally to communications systems, andfor example, to facilitating measurements and radio link monitoring in awireless communications system.

BACKGROUND

To meet the huge demand for data centric applications, Third GenerationPartnership Project (3GPP) systems and systems that employ one or moreaspects of the specifications of the Fourth Generation (4G) standard forwireless communications will be extended to a Fifth Generation (5G)standard for wireless communications. Unique challenges exist to providelevels of service associated with forthcoming 5G, or other nextgeneration, standards for wireless communication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various non-limiting embodiments are further described with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example non-limiting schematic representation of abeam failure in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example non-limiting graph of a representativeradio link interruption in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example, non-limiting communications system forfacilitating measurements and radio link monitoring in a wirelesscommunications system in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example, non-limiting representation of aninter-distributed unit beam switch procedure based on a radio linkinterruption trigger event in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example, non-limiting representation ofinter-distributed unit mobility measurements in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example, non-limiting representation of aninter-distributed unit measurement configuration and coordination inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example, non-limiting representation of beamfailure/radio link interruption timers, counters, and reports for newradio inter-distributed unit mobility and multi-connectivity inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example, non-limiting method for measurements andradio link monitoring in a wireless communications system in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example block diagram of an example mobile handsetoperable to engage in a system architecture that facilitates wirelesscommunications according to one or more embodiments described herein;and

FIG. 10 illustrates an example block diagram of an example computeroperable to engage in a system architecture that facilitates wirelesscommunications according to one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which example embodiments areshown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various embodiments. However, the variousembodiments can be practiced without these specific details (and withoutapplying to any particular networked environment or standard).

Discussed herein are various aspects that relate to facilitatingmeasurements and radio link monitoring in a wireless communicationsnetwork. For example, as provided herein an inter-distributed unit (DU)beam switch (mobility) and multi-connectivity establishment can be basedon measurements and reports. Also provided are correspondingconfiguration and/or coordination mechanisms that facilitate managementof radio link interruption (also referred to as radio link failures).

The various aspects described herein can relate to New Radio (NR), whichcan be deployed as a standalone radio access technology or as anon-standalone radio access technology assisted by another radio accesstechnology, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), for example. It should benoted that although various aspects and embodiments have been describedherein in the context of 5G, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System(UMTS), and/or Long Term Evolution (LTE), or other next generationnetworks, the disclosed aspects are not limited to 5G, a UMTSimplementation, and/or an LTE implementation as the techniques can alsobe applied in 3G, 4G, or LTE systems. For example, aspects or featuresof the disclosed embodiments can be exploited in substantially anywireless communication technology. Such wireless communicationtechnologies can include UMTS, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),Wi-Fi, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, Third Generation PartnershipProject (3GPP), LTE, Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2)Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), EvolvedHigh Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access(HSDPA), High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Zigbee, or anotherIEEE 802.XX technology. Additionally, substantially all aspectsdisclosed herein can be exploited in legacy telecommunicationtechnologies.

As used herein, “5G” can also be referred to as New Radio (NR) access.Accordingly, systems, methods, and/or machine-readable storage media forfacilitating link adaptation of downlink control channel for 5G systemsare desired. As used herein, one or more aspects of a 5G network cancomprise, but is not limited to, data rates of several tens of megabitsper second (Mbps) supported for tens of thousands of users; at least onegigabit per second (Gbps) to be offered simultaneously to tens of users(e.g., tens of workers on the same office floor); several hundreds ofthousands of simultaneous connections supported for massive sensordeployments; spectral efficiency significantly enhanced compared to 4G;improvement in coverage relative to 4G; signaling efficiency enhancedcompared to 4G; and/or latency significantly reduced compared to LTE.

In one embodiment, described herein is a method that can comprisedetermining, by a network device of a communications network andcomprising a processor, a first resource configuration related to firstmeasurement resources of a first radio link between a mobile device anda first distributed unit of distributed units of the communicationsnetwork. The method can also comprise determining, by the networkdevice, a second resource configuration related to second measurementresources of a second radio link between the mobile device and a seconddistributed unit of the distributed units. Further, the method cancomprise facilitating, by the network device, a reception of one or morereports that comprise measurements of the first resource configurationand the second resource configuration. The transmission can be receivedfrom the mobile device in response to a detection of a radio linkinterruption of a communication of data flow packets between the mobiledevice and the first distributed unit or as part of an inter-DU switchprocedure between the first distributed unit and a second distributedunit.

In an example, the method can comprise coordinating, by the networkdevice, the first resource configuration and the second resourceconfiguration among the first distributed unit and the seconddistributed unit. Further to this example, the coordinating can comprisecommunicating, by the network device, the first resource configurationto the second distributed unit and the second resource configuration tothe first distributed unit. The communication can be facilitated by acentral unit communicatively coupled to the first distributed unit andthe second distributed unit.

In another example, the method can comprise assigning, by the networkdevice, a first timer and a first counter for a first detection of afirst radio link interruption between the mobile device and the firstdistributed unit and a second timer and a second counter for a seconddetection of a second radio link interruption between the mobile deviceand the second distributed unit.

According to another example, determining the first resourceconfiguration and the determining the second resource configuration cancomprise determining, by the network device, respectivetransmission/reception nodes controlled by the first distributed unitand the second distributed unit. Additionally, or alternatively,determining the first resource configuration and the second resourceconfiguration can comprise determining a beam forming capability of themobile device and the distributed units. Additionally, or alternatively,determining the first resource configuration and the second resourceconfiguration can comprise determining a first network traffic load ofthe first distributed unit and a second traffic load of the seconddistributed unit. Additionally, or alternatively, determining the firstresource configuration and the second resource configuration cancomprise determining a multi-connectivity configuration of the firstdistributed unit and the second distributed unit. Additionally, oralternatively, determining the first resource configuration and thesecond resource configuration can comprise evaluating a received radiolink interruption report or beam measurement report received from themobile device.

In an example, the first distributed unit is a cell device servicing themobile device and the second distributed unit is a neighboring celldevice. In another example, the first distributed unit is associatedwith a first transmission/reception node servicing the mobile device andthe second distributed unit is associated with a secondtransmission/reception node. In a further example, the first distributedunit and the second distributed unit represent a function protocol splitacross a first transmission/reception node and a secondtransmission/reception node. The first distributed unit controls thefirst transmission/reception node, and the second distributed unitcontrols the second transmission/reception node. In yet another example,facilitating the reception of the report comprises facilitating beamswitch procedures for the mobile device, wherein the beam switchprocedures enable the mobile device to operate according to a fifthgeneration wireless communication network protocol.

According to another embodiment, a system can comprise a processor and amemory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations cancomprise generating a first report that comprises a first resourceconfiguration related to first measurement resources of a first radiolink between a mobile device and a first distributed unit of distributedunits of a communications network. The operations can also comprisegenerating a second report that comprises a second resourceconfiguration related to a second measurement of a second radio linkbetween the mobile device and a second distributed unit of thedistributed units. Further, the operations can comprise, in response toa detection of a radio link interruption of a communication of data flowpackets between the mobile device and the first distributed unit,facilitating a reception of a combined report from the mobile devicethat comprises measurements of the first resource configuration and thesecond resource configuration. According to an aspect, facilitating thereception of the combined report comprises generating the combinedreport that is specific to the mobile device.

In an example, the operations can further comprise communicating thefirst resource configuration to the second distributed unit and thesecond resource configuration to the first distributed unit. Further tothis example, the operations can comprise determining the combinedconfiguration based on a coordination of the first resourceconfiguration and the second resource configuration among the firstdistributed unit and the second distributed unit.

According to another example, the operations can comprise configuring afirst timer and counter combination for a first detection of a firstradio link interruption between the mobile device and the firstdistributed unit. Further to this example, the operations can compriseconfiguring a second timer and a second counter for a second detectionof a second radio link interruption between the mobile device and thesecond distributed unit.

According to yet another embodiment, described herein is amachine-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions that,when executed by a processor, facilitate performance of operations. Theoperations can comprise determining respective resource configurationsfor distributed units in a communications network. Further, theoperations can comprise facilitating sending a coordinated configurationto a mobile device, wherein the coordinated report comprises therespective resource configurations and is customized for the mobiledevice. The sending can be in response to an indication from the mobiledevice that a radio link interruption has occurred.

In an example, the distributed units comprise a first distributed unitand a second distributed unit, the respective resource configurationscomprise a first resource configuration of the first distributed unitand a second resource configuration of the second distributed unit.Further to this example, the operations can further comprisecommunicating the first resource configuration to the second distributedunit and the second resource configuration to the first distributedunit. The communicating can be facilitated by a central unitcommunicatively coupled to the first distributed unit and the seconddistributed unit.

According to another example, the operations can further compriseassigning a first timer and a first counter for a first detection of afirst radio link interruption between the mobile device and a firstdistributed unit of the distributed units and a second timer and asecond counter for a second detection of a second radio linkinterruption between the mobile device and a second distributed unit ofthe distributed units. An expiration of the first timer or the secondtimer results in a determination that the radio link interruption hasoccurred.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , illustrated is an example non-limitingschematic representation 100 of a beam failure in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein. As illustrated, a mobile device 102can receive radio links, also referred to as beams, from a first networkdevice 104 and a second network device 106. As illustrated, a first beam108 can be established between the first network device 104 and themobile device 102. Further, a second beam 110 can be established betweenthe second network device and the mobile device 102. Multiple beams areestablished, and the mobile device can switch between the multiple beamsbecause there can be times (sometimes frequently) when one or more beamsare blocked by something in the environment.

Millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies (which is the band of spectrumbetween 30 Gigahertz (Ghz) and 300 Ghz) can produce a challenge foroperating within NR communications networks. For example, the mmWavechannel experienced by a mobile device could suffer from blockage eventsthat could result in sudden sharp drops in signal strength (e.g., of theorder of 30 dB) due to physical objects blocking the mobile device-TRPlink. When a beam that is serving a mobile device experiences blockage,the mobile device can experience beam failure. This is illustrated inFIG. 1 by the second beam 110, which experiences a radio linkinterruption (e.g., a radio link failure, a beam failure) due to ablockage 112. In this example, the blockage is a vehicle, however, othertypes of blockage can occur that result in radio link interruption.

In NR communications networks, the mobile device can trigger a mechanismto recover from beam failure. According to some implementations, a beamfailure event is determined to have occurred when a quality of beam pairlink(s) of an associated control channel falls to an unacceptable level,which can be determined based on a comparison with a threshold qualitylevel and an expiration (e.g., a time-out) of an associated timer.Mechanisms to recover from beam failure can be triggered when beamfailure occurs (e.g., after expiration of the timer).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example non-limiting graph 200 of a representativeradio link interruption in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. A radio link related failure event, referred to hereinas an event Radio Link Interruption (RLI 202) can be defined torepresent blockage-based beam failure events and to distinguish thistype of interruption from radio link failure type of events in LTE. TheRLI term can be utilized to represent that in a blockage-based beamfailure event, the beam quality is “interrupted” for a relatively shortperiod of time and is eventually restored after the blockage event isover as illustrated in FIG. 2 . Thus, the interruption is not a longterm event, as it might be in mobility.

In FIG. 2 , distance in meters is illustrated on the horizontal axis 204and signal level (dBm) is illustrated on the vertical axis 206. Lines208 indicate blocking and channel fading. Line 210 indicates shadowfading and dashed line 212 indicates no fading. As indicated by the RLI202, the interruption is for a short period of time.

Since fast beam switching mechanisms can be supported as part of NR beammanagement procedures, when a mobile device detects beam failure, itcould possibly trigger an attempt to switch beams. This could result ina few different situations. In one situation, if there is an availablebeam, and such a beam is from the same TRP, it could be possible toexecute an intra-TRP beam switch. In another situation, if a beam isavailable from a different TRP with the same cell ID, then it could bepossible to execute an inter-TRP beam switch via mobility procedureswithout RRC (RRC-less mobility). According to another situation, if abeam is available from a different TRP with a different cell ID, itcould be possible to execute an inter-TRP beam switch via mobility withRRC. In another situation, if no beam is available (e.g., when out of NRcoverage), other Radio Link Failure (RLF) procedures could detect linkfailure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example, non-limiting communications system 300for facilitating measurements and radio link monitoring in a wirelesscommunications system in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. The various aspects discussed herein can provide theability to execute beam switch procedures to handle beam failure and/orradio link interruption (RLI) events across transmission receptionpoints (TRPs), also referred to as transmission reception point herein.The beam switch procedures can be supported by NR based on a functionalprotocol split being implemented, wherein multiple TRPs (belonging tothe same or different cells) are controlled by different distributedunits (DUs) connected to a centralized unit (CU). Inter-DU mobility caninclude multi-connectivity and/or L2 mobility with minimum (ornegligible) Radio Resource Control (RRC) involvement procedures. Thus,the various aspects provided herein relate to the various themeasurements and corresponding configurations and/or reports for theseprocedures.

The non-limiting communications system 300 can comprise one or morenetwork devices (illustrated as a network device 302) and one or moremobile devices (illustrated as a mobile device 304). The network device302 can be included in a group of network devices of a wireless network.Although only a single mobile device and a single network device areillustrated, the non-limiting communications system 300 can comprise amultitude of mobile devices and/or a multitude of network devices.

The network device 302 can comprise a resource configuration engine 306,a communications component 308, at least one memory 310, and at leastone processor 312. Further, the mobile device 304 can comprise acommunications module 314, a memory 316, and a processor 318. Theresource configuration engine 306 can determine a first resourceconfiguration related to first measurement resources of a first radiolink between a mobile device and a first distributed unit 320 ofdistributed units of the communications network. The resourceconfiguration engine 306 can also determine a second resourceconfiguration related to a second measurement of a second radio linkbetween the mobile device and a second distributed unit 322 of thedistributed units. It is noted that the first distributed unit 320, thesecond distributed unit 322, and other distributed units can becommunicatively coupled to the network device 302.

Based on the determined resource configurations, the communicationscomponent 308 can facilitate a reception of a report that comprises thefirst resource configuration and the second resource configuration. Thetransmission can be received from the mobile device 304 in response to adetection of a radio link interruption of a communication of data flowpackets between the mobile device 304 and the first distributed unit320. For example, after detection of a radio link interruption and afterexpiration of a timer associated with a duration of the radio linkinterruption event, the communication module can 114 send an indicationof the radio link interruption to the network device. Facilitation ofthe transmission of the report can comprise facilitating beam switchprocedures for the mobile device. The beam switch procedures can enablethe mobile device to operate according to a fifth generation wirelesscommunication network protocol.

The first resource configuration and the second resource configurationcan be determined by the resource configuration engine 306 based on adetermination of respective transmission/reception nodes controlled bythe first distributed unit 320 and the second distributed unit 322.Additionally, or alternatively, the first resource configuration and thesecond resource configuration can be determined by the resourceconfiguration engine 306 based on a determination of a first networktraffic load of the first distributed unit 320 and a second networktraffic load of the second distributed unit 322. In an additional oralternative implementation, the first resource configuration and thesecond resource configuration can be determined by the resourceconfiguration engine 306 based on a determination of amulti-connectivity configuration of the first distributed unit and thesecond distributed unit. Additionally, or alternatively, the firstresource configuration and the second resource configuration can bedetermined by the resource configuration engine 306 based on anevaluation of a received radio link interruption report received fromthe mobile device 304.

According to an implementation, the resource configuration engine 306can coordinate communication of the resource configurations between thedistributed units. For example, the resource configuration engine 306can coordinate the first resource configuration and the second resourceconfiguration among the first distributed unit 320 and the seconddistributed unit 322. Further to this implementation, the resourceconfiguration engine 306 can communicate the first resourceconfiguration to the second distributed unit 322 and the second resourceconfiguration to the first distributed unit 320 (e.g., sharing theconfigurations among the distributed units). The communication can befacilitated by a central unit 324 communicatively coupled to the firstdistributed unit and the second distributed unit.

In an implementation, in order to determine that the radio linkinterruption is of a determined duration and that a notification shouldbe issued from the mobile device 304 to the network device 302, theresource configuration engine 306 can assign a first timer and a firstcounter for a first detection of a first radio link interruption betweenthe mobile device 304 and the first distributed unit 320 and a secondtimer and a second counter for a second detection of a second radio linkinterruption between the mobile device 304 and the second distributedunit 322.

Although illustrated as separate from the network device 302, accordingto some implementations, the first distributed unit 320, the seconddistributed unit 322, and/or the central unit 324 could be included, atleast partially, in the network device 302. According to someimplementations, the first distributed unit 320 can be a cell servicingthe mobile device 304 and the second distributed unit 322 can be aneighboring cell of the first distributed unit 320. In animplementation, the first distributed unit 320 can be associated with afirst transmission/reception node servicing the mobile device 304 andthe second distributed unit 322 can be associated with a secondtransmission/reception node.

In accordance with some implementations, the first distributed unit 320and the second distributed unit 322 can represent a function protocolsplit across a first transmission/reception node and a secondtransmission/reception node. Further to this implementation, the firstdistributed unit 320 can control the first transmission/reception nodeand the second distributed unit 322 can control the secondtransmission/reception node.

The communications component 308 and/or the communications module 314can be a transmitter/receiver configured to transmit to and/or receivedata the network device 302, the mobile device 304, other networkdevices, and/or other mobile devices. Through the communicationscomponent 308, the network device 302 can concurrently transmit andreceive data, can transmit and receive data at different times, orcombinations thereof. In a similar manner, through the communicationsmodule 314, the mobile device 304 can concurrently transmit and receivedata, can transmit and receive data at different times, or combinationsthereof.

The respective one or more memories 310, 316 can be operatively coupledto the respective one or more processors 312, 318. The respective one ormore memories 310, 316 can store protocols associated with measurementsand radio link monitoring as discussed herein. Further, the respectiveone or more memories 310, 316 can facilitate action to controlcommunication between the network device 302 and the mobile device 304,such that the non-limiting communications system 300 can employ storedprotocols and/or algorithms to achieve improved communications in awireless network as described herein.

It should be appreciated that data store (e.g., memories) componentsdescribed herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, orcan include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of example andnot limitation, nonvolatile memory can include read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory caninclude random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory.By way of example and not limitation, RAM is available in many formssuch as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM(SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM),Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Memory of thedisclosed aspects are intended to comprise, without being limited to,these and other suitable types of memory.

The respective processors 312, 318 can facilitate respective analysis ofinformation related to measurements and radio link monitoring in acommunication network. The processors 312, 318 can be processorsdedicated to analyzing and/or generating information received,processors that control one or more components of the non-limitingcommunications system 300, and/or processors that both analyze andgenerate information received and control one or more components of thenon-limiting communications system 300.

Further, the term network device (e.g., network node, network nodedevice) is used herein to refer to any type of network node servingcommunications devices and/or connected to other network nodes, networkelements, or another network node from which the communications devicescan receive a radio signal. In cellular radio access networks (e.g.,universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) networks), networkdevices can be referred to as base transceiver stations (BTS), radiobase station, radio network nodes, base stations, NodeB, eNodeB (e.g.,evolved NodeB), and so on. In 5G terminology, the network nodes can bereferred to as gNodeB (e.g., gNB) devices. Network devices can alsocomprise multiple antennas for performing various transmissionoperations (e.g., Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) operations). Anetwork node can comprise a cabinet and other protected enclosures, anantenna mast, and actual antennas. Network devices can serve severalcells, also called sectors, depending on the configuration and type ofantenna. Examples of network nodes (e.g., network device 302) caninclude but are not limited to: NodeB devices, base station (BS)devices, access point (AP) devices, TRPs, and radio access network (RAN)devices. The network nodes can also include multi-standard radio (MSR)radio node devices, comprising: an MSR BS, an eNode B, a networkcontroller, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller(BSC), a relay, a donor node controlling relay, a base transceiverstation (BTS), a transmission point, a transmission node, an RRU, anRRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), and the like.

As discussed herein, the various aspects provide the ability to executebeam switch procedures to handle beam failure/RLI events across TRPswhen a functional protocol split is implemented wherein multiple TRPs(belonging to the same or different cells) are controlled by differentdistributed units (DUs) connected to a centralized unit (CU). Inter-DUmobility can involve multi-connectivity or L2 nobility with minimum ornegligible RRC involvement procedures and this invention describes themeasurements and corresponding configurations/reports for theseprocedures.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example, non-limiting representation 400 of aninter-distributed unit beam switch procedure based on a radio linkinterruption trigger event in accordance in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

Illustrated are a core network 402 operatively coupled to the centralunit 324, which is operatively coupled to the first distributed unit 320and the second distributed unit 322. The central unit 324 can comprise aPacket Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP 404). The first distributed unit320 and the second distributed unit 322 can comprise respective protocollayers comprising a Radio Link Control (RLC 406), a Media Access Control(MAC 408), and a Physical Layer (PHY 410).

The first distributed unit 320 communicates with the mobile device 304over a first link 412 and the second distributed unit 322 communicateswith the mobile device 304 over a second link 414. In this example, thefirst link 412 has an “X” over it, indicating a radio link interruption.

The various aspects herein can provide a procedure for executinginter-DU beam switch in response to an RLI trigger when no beams areavailable to support the mobile device from the current serving DU. Asdepicted in FIG. 4 , when the serving beam (e.g., the first link 412)fails but no other beam is available from the first distributed unit 320(RLI trigger), a switch to a beam available via a different DU (e.g.,the second distributed unit 322) is implemented. The inter-DU beamswitch (mobility) and multi-connectivity establishment can be triggeredbased on measurements and reports described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example, non-limiting representation 500 of aninter-distributed unit mobility measurements in accordance in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description oflike elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omittedfor sake of brevity.

The distributed unit mobility includes, for example, multi-connectivityor L2 mobility with minimal RRC involvement. In NR, a measurement objectcan be mobile device-specifically configured or tailored (e.g., RRCsignalling) for CONNECTED mode mobile device. Further, the measurementcan contain a list of Channel State Information Reference SignalsCSI-RS) resource configurations for measuring beams from servingTRPs/cells and neighbour TRPs/cells.

The set of CSI-RS resources for a given mobile device to measure thebeams (analog or digital) coming from a single distributed unit can beconfigured based on the available beams at the TRP(s) controlled by thedistributed unit.

However, in order to support Inter-DU switching/mobility CSI-RSresources should be configured for the mobile device corresponding tomultiple DUs. For example, a first CSI-RS Resource Set 502 can beassociated with the first distributed unit 320/mobile device 304 link,and a second CSI-RS Resource Set 504 can be associated with the seconddistributed unit 322/mobile device 304 link. A Beam/RRM Managementcomponent 506 (e.g., the resource configuration engine 306 of FIG. 1 )can perform this configuration taking into account multiple factorsincluding, but not limited to, TRP and mobile device beamformingcapability, traffic load, multi-connectivity configuration, reception ofone or more RLI reports, and/or Inter-DU and CU coordination.

In addition, the set of DUs for which CSI-RS resources are configuredfor the mobile device could dynamically change. For example, DUs couldbe added or removed to the set depending upon various factors includingreceiving RLI reports which would require (re)configuration of themeasurement resources and report.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example, non-limiting representation 600 of aninter-distributed unit measurement configuration and coordination inaccordance in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodimentsdescribed herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

The arrows 602 represent measurement configuration coordination. A setof measurement resources can be determined for each DU and exchangedacross DUs through the central unit 324. The coordination messages canbe provided per DU or as a common configuration from a central beam/RRMmanagement entity and correspond to mobile device-specific or mobiledevice-group-specific resources

The arrows 604 represent mobile device specific measurementconfiguration. A mobile device can be provided with a measurementconfiguration enabling beam-based measurement of one or multiple DUs.This can be provided as a common configuration by a master node orprovided separately by each DU/SgNB cell group.

The arrows 606 represent a mobile device measurement report. The mobiledevice can measure beam strength/quality across TRP/DUs and can reportthe measurement results (through physical or higher layer signaling) toone or more DUs after receiving a beam management or RRM measurementtrigger.

Further, the arrows 608 represent Inter-DU Measurement reportcoordination. The measurement results of one or more DUs can beexchanged as part of a beam/RRM management procedure and can trigger anInter-DU switch or measurement reconfiguration procedure.

According to some implementations, CSI-RS based measurementconfiguration can include a set of time/frequency resources andscrambling identities (e.g., cell or virtual cell IDs) which can includefrequency/time domain resource patterns (including time offset fromSS-block or radio frame boundary). Additionally, or alternatively, theconfiguration can include SS-block time index and/or cell ID. Inadditional or alternative implementations, the configuration can includeone or more reporting IDs (which can correspond to different DU/TRP/SgNBbeam groups). Additionally, or alternatively, the configuration caninclude beam quality thresholds (which can be separately configured forserving or neighbor TRP/cells. In additional or alternativeimplementations, the configuration can include a number of beamsmonitored/reported per DU based on mobile device capability (e.g.,number of simultaneous RF beams and CSI-RS ports). Further, inadditional or alternative implementations, the configuration can includereporting periodicity, event triggers, and measurement report format(e.g., L1 or L2).

In addition, although measurements have been described herein based onCSI-RS, the above configuration and measurement reports could beextended to synchronization signals (SS-block) based measurements forbeam management and RRM.

The SS-block measurements can be explicitly or implicitly linked to oneor more CSI-RS resources. For example, a group of CSI-RS resources cancorrespond to narrow beams within a wider SS-block beam. Theconfiguration of the CSI-RS resources at the DUs can be determined aftera first coarse beam sweep procedure at the mobile device based onSS-block measurements

FIG. 7 illustrates an example, non-limiting representation 700 of beamfailure/RLI timers, counters, and reports for NR Inter-DU mobility andmulti-connectivity in accordance in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

In a traditional Radio Link Failure (RLF) procedure, such as thatdefined for LTE, the mobile device can detect up to N310 consecutiveout-of-sync intervals, before starting an RLF time T310 (in seconds),where T are timers and N are counters. The mobile device can declare aRLF at the expiration of T310. However, for NR, in addition to thetimers and counters supported for RLF, NR can support configuration ofmultiple timers/counters for beam failure/RLI detection and reports.This configuration and subsequent reports for RLI can be per-DU orcoordinated across DUs by a central unit similar to the measurementconfiguration mentioned earlier. The configuration can be mobiledevice-specific or mobile device group-specific based on beam/DU/SgNBgroups

The mobile device can indicate beam failure/RLI based on the RLIconfiguration to one or multiple DUs which can initiate a DU switchprocedure (e.g., flow control between active and secondary DUs/SgNBs viamulti-connectivity or L2 mobility procedure) or measurementre-configuration. Additionally, detection of beam failure/RLI cantrigger the initiation of RLF detection and procedures at the UE

Arrows 702 represent RLI configuration and coordination. Mobile deviceRLI configuration is represented by arrow 704. RLI detection (time andcounter limitation) is represented by arrow 706. The UE-RLI report 708can be sent from the mobile device. Further, arrows 710 represent theDU-RLI report exchange and coordination.

As it relates to NR RLI counters and timers, the RLI timers andconstants can be configured per-beam (or beam-group/DU). Different timervalues can be applied for monitoring different beam types. For example,active beams versus secondary beams. The configuration of the RLItimers/counters and corresponding beam quality thresholds can beexchanged and coordinated across nodes (e.g., at a CU) and the valuescan be determined based on the beamforming capability at different DUsand based on the ability to perform Inter-DU/L2 mobility across multipleDUs (e.g., if multi-connectivity is supported) and prior RLI reports

As it relates to the relationship between RLI timers and RLF timers,beam recovery failure can occur when N consecutive beam quality is lessthan a threshold (e.g., beam-not-detected), where N is an integer. AfterRLI timer expires, the mobile device can initiate beam recovery andtransmit a Beam Failure/RLI Indication and initiate RLF timer (cancel ifbeam recovery succeeds). If RLF timer expires, the mobile device candeclare an RLF.

The following table provides example, non-limiting timers and constantsthat can be utilized in RLI:

TX01 Transmission of Beam Failure/RLI Indication TX10 Upon detectingproblems with the monitored beam (e.g., upon receiving NX10 consecutivebeam -not-detected indications from lower layers) TX11 Upon initiatingBeam Recovery procedure NX10 Maximum number of consecutivebeam-not-detected (constant) indications received from lower layers NX11Maximum number of consecutive beam detected (constant) indicationsreceived from lower layers

FIG. 8 illustrates an example, non-limiting method 800 for measurementsand radio link monitoring in a wireless communications system inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein. At 802, anetwork device of a wireless network and comprising a processor cangenerate a first configuration that comprises a first resourceconfiguration related to first measurement resources of a first radiolink between a mobile device and a first distributed unit of distributedunits of a communications network. At 804, the network device cangenerate a second configuration that comprises a second resourceconfiguration related to second measurement resources of a second radiolink between the mobile device and a second distributed unit of thedistributed units.

At 806, in response to a detection of a radio link interruption of acommunication of data flow packets between the mobile device and thefirst distributed unit or as part of an inter-DU switch procedurebetween the first distributed unit and a second distributed unit, thenetwork device can facilitate a reception of one or more reports fromthe mobile device that comprises measurements of the first resourceconfiguration and the second resource configuration. Facilitating thetransmission of the one or more reports can comprise generating thecombined report that is customized for the mobile device.

In order to create the combined report, the method can includecommunicating the first resource configuration to the second distributedunit and the second resource configuration to the first distributedunit. Further, the method can include determining the combined reportbased on a coordination of the first resource configuration and thesecond resource configuration among the first distributed unit and thesecond distributed unit.

According to some implementations, the method can include configuring afirst timer and counter combination for a first detection of a firstradio link interruption between the mobile device and the firstdistributed unit. Further to this implementation, the method can includeconfiguring a second timer and a second counter for a second detectionof a second radio link interruption between the mobile device and thesecond distributed unit.

Described herein are systems, methods, articles of manufacture, andother embodiments or implementations that can facilitate measurementsand radio link monitoring in a 5G network. Facilitating of measurementsand radio link monitoring in a 5G network can be implemented inconnection with any type of device with a connection to thecommunications network (e.g., a mobile handset, a computer, a handhelddevice, etc.) any Internet of things (IoT) device (e.g., toaster, coffeemaker, blinds, music players, speakers, etc.), and/or any connectedvehicles (cars, airplanes, space rockets, and/or other at leastpartially automated vehicles (e.g., drones)). In some embodiments, thenon-limiting term User Equipment (UE) is used. It can refer to any typeof wireless device that communicates with a radio network node in acellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are targetdevice, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable ofmachine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, Tablet, mobile terminals,smart phone, Laptop Embedded Equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment(LME), USB dongles etc. Note that the terms element, elements andantenna ports can be interchangeably used but carry the same meaning inthis disclosure. The embodiments are applicable to single carrier aswell as to Multi-Carrier (MC) or Carrier Aggregation (CA) operation ofthe UE. The term Carrier Aggregation (CA) is also called (e.g.,interchangeably called) “multi-carrier system,” “multi-cell operation,”“multi-carrier operation,” “multi-carrier” transmission and/orreception.

In some embodiments, the non-limiting term radio network node or simplynetwork node is used. It can refer to any type of network node thatserves one or more UEs and/or that is coupled to other network nodes ornetwork elements or any radio node from where the one or more UEsreceive a signal. Examples of radio network nodes are Node B, BaseStation (BS), Multi-Standard Radio (MSR) node such as MSR BS, eNode B,network controller, Radio Network Controller (RNC), Base StationController (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, Base TransceiverStation (BTS), Access Point (AP), transmission points, transmissionnodes, RRU, RRH, nodes in Distributed Antenna System (DAS) etc.

Cloud Radio Access Networks (RAN) can enable the implementation ofconcepts such as Software-Defined Network (SDN) and Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV) in 5G networks. This disclosure can facilitate ageneric channel state information framework design for a 5G network.Certain embodiments of this disclosure can comprise an SDN controllerthat can control routing of traffic within the network and between thenetwork and traffic destinations. The SDN controller can be merged withthe 5G network architecture to enable service deliveries via openApplication Programming Interfaces (APIs) and move the network coretowards an all Internet Protocol (IP), cloud based, and software driventelecommunications network. The SDN controller can work with, or takethe place of Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) network elementsso that policies such as quality of service and traffic management androuting can be synchronized and managed end to end.

To meet the huge demand for data centric applications, 4G standards canbe applied to 5G, also called New Radio (NR) access. 5G networks cancomprise the following: data rates of several tens of megabits persecond supported for tens of thousands of users; 1 gigabit per secondcan be offered simultaneously (or concurrently) to tens of workers onthe same office floor; several hundreds of thousands of simultaneous (orconcurrent) connections can be supported for massive sensor deployments;spectral efficiency can be enhanced compared to 4G; improved coverage;enhanced signaling efficiency; and reduced latency compared to LTE. Inmulticarrier system such as OFDM, each subcarrier can occupy bandwidth(e.g., subcarrier spacing). If the carriers use the same bandwidthspacing, then it can be considered a single numerology. However, if thecarriers occupy different bandwidth and/or spacing, then it can beconsidered a multiple numerology.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , illustrated is an example block diagram of anexample mobile handset 900 operable to engage in a system architecturethat facilitates wireless communications according to one or moreembodiments described herein. Although a mobile handset is illustratedherein, it will be understood that other devices can be a mobile device,and that the mobile handset is merely illustrated to provide context forthe embodiments of the various embodiments described herein. Thefollowing discussion is intended to provide a brief, general descriptionof an example of a suitable environment in which the various embodimentscan be implemented. While the description includes a general context ofcomputer-executable instructions embodied on a machine-readable storagemedium, those skilled in the art will recognize that the innovation alsocan be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as acombination of hardware and software.

Generally, applications (e.g., program modules) can include routines,programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particulartasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the methods described herein canbe practiced with other system configurations, includingsingle-processor or multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like,each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associateddevices.

A computing device can typically include a variety of machine-readablemedia. Machine-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatilemedia, removable and non-removable media. By way of example and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media can include volatileand/or non-volatile media, removable and/or non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information, suchas computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data. Computer storage media can include, but is not limited to,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD ROM,digital video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by the computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the anyof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

The handset includes a processor 902 for controlling and processing allonboard operations and functions. A memory 904 interfaces to theprocessor 902 for storage of data and one or more applications 906(e.g., a video player software, user feedback component software, etc.).Other applications can include voice recognition of predetermined voicecommands that facilitate initiation of the user feedback signals. Theapplications 906 can be stored in the memory 904 and/or in a firmware908, and executed by the processor 902 from either or both the memory904 or/and the firmware 908. The firmware 908 can also store startupcode for execution in initializing the handset 900. A communicationscomponent 1010 interfaces to the processor 902 to facilitatewired/wireless communication with external systems, e.g., cellularnetworks, VoIP networks, and so on. Here, the communications component910 can also include a suitable cellular transceiver 911 (e.g., a GSMtransceiver) and/or an unlicensed transceiver 913 (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax)for corresponding signal communications. The handset 900 can be a devicesuch as a cellular telephone, a PDA with mobile communicationscapabilities, and messaging-centric devices. The communicationscomponent 910 also facilitates communications reception from terrestrialradio networks (e.g., broadcast), digital satellite radio networks, andInternet-based radio services networks.

The handset 900 includes a display 912 for displaying text, images,video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function), setupfunctions, and for user input. For example, the display 912 can also bereferred to as a “screen” that can accommodate the presentation ofmultimedia content (e.g., music metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics,etc.). The display 912 can also display videos and can facilitate thegeneration, editing and sharing of video quotes. A serial I/O interface914 is provided in communication with the processor 902 to facilitatewired and/or wireless serial communications (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE1394) through a hardwire connection, and other serial input devices(e.g., a keyboard, keypad, and mouse). This supports updating andtroubleshooting the handset 900, for example. Audio capabilities areprovided with an audio I/O component 916, which can include a speakerfor the output of audio signals related to, for example, indication thatthe user pressed the proper key or key combination to initiate the userfeedback signal. The audio I/O component 916 also facilitates the inputof audio signals through a microphone to record data and/or telephonyvoice data, and for inputting voice signals for telephone conversations.

The handset 900 can include a slot interface 918 for accommodating a SIC(Subscriber Identity Component) in the form factor of a card SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM) or universal SIM 920, and interfacing the SIM card920 with the processor 902. However, it is to be appreciated that theSIM card 920 can be manufactured into the handset 900, and updated bydownloading data and software.

The handset 900 can process IP data traffic through the communicationscomponent 910 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP network such as, forexample, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a home network, a personarea network, etc., through an ISP or broadband cable provider. Thus,VoIP traffic can be utilized by the handset 900 and IP-based multimediacontent can be received in either an encoded or decoded format.

A video processing component 922 (e.g., a camera) can be provided fordecoding encoded multimedia content. The video processing component 922can aid in facilitating the generation, editing, and sharing of videoquotes. The handset 900 also includes a power source 924 in the form ofbatteries and/or an AC power subsystem, which power source 924 caninterface to an external power system or charging equipment (not shown)by a power I/O component 926.

The handset 900 can also include a video component 930 for processingvideo content received and, for recording and transmitting videocontent. For example, the video component 930 can facilitate thegeneration, editing and sharing of video quotes. A location trackingcomponent 932 facilitates geographically locating the handset 900. Asdescribed hereinabove, this can occur when the user initiates thefeedback signal automatically or manually. A user input component 934facilitates the user initiating the quality feedback signal. The userinput component 934 can also facilitate the generation, editing andsharing of video quotes. The user input component 934 can include suchconventional input device technologies such as a keypad, keyboard,mouse, stylus pen, and/or touch screen, for example.

Referring again to the applications 906, a hysteresis component 936facilitates the analysis and processing of hysteresis data, which isutilized to determine when to associate with the access point. Asoftware trigger component 938 can be provided that facilitatestriggering of the hysteresis component 936 when the Wi-Fi transceiver913 detects the beacon of the access point. A SIP client 940 enables thehandset 900 to support SIP protocols and register the subscriber withthe SIP registrar server. The applications 906 can also include a client942 that provides at least the capability of discovery, play and storeof multimedia content, for example, music.

The handset 900, as indicated above related to the communicationscomponent 910, includes an indoor network radio transceiver 913 (e.g.,Wi-Fi transceiver). This function supports the indoor radio link, suchas IEEE 802.11, for the dual-mode GSM handset 900. The handset 900 canaccommodate at least satellite radio services through a handset that cancombine wireless voice and digital radio chipsets into a single handhelddevice.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , illustrated is an example block diagram of anexample computer 1000 operable to engage in a system architecture thatfacilitates wireless communications according to one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. The computer 1000 can provide networking andcommunication capabilities between a wired or wireless communicationnetwork and a server (e.g., Microsoft server) and/or communicationdevice. In order to provide additional context for various aspectsthereof, FIG. 10 and the following discussion are intended to provide abrief, general description of a suitable computing environment in whichthe various aspects of the innovation can be implemented to facilitatethe establishment of a transaction between an entity and a third party.While the description above is in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,those skilled in the art will recognize that the innovation also can beimplemented in combination with other program modules and/or as acombination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the innovation can also be practiced indistributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which caninclude computer-readable storage media or communications media, whichtwo terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.

Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can include,but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical diskstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or non-transitorymedia which can be used to store desired information. Computer-readablestorage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computingdevices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data retrievalprotocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the informationstored by the medium.

Communications media can embody computer-readable instructions, datastructures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data ina data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave orother transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery ortransport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way ofexample, and not limitation, communication media include wired media,such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference to FIG. 10 , implementing various aspects describedherein with regards to the end-user device can include a computer 1000,the computer 1000 including a processing unit 1004, a system memory 1006and a system bus 1008. The system bus 1008 couples system componentsincluding, but not limited to, the system memory 1006 to the processingunit 1004. The processing unit 1004 can be any of various commerciallyavailable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi processorarchitectures can also be employed as the processing unit 1004.

The system bus 1008 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1006includes read-only memory (ROM) 1027 and random access memory (RAM)1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1027 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1000, such as during start-up. The RAM 1012 can also include ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1000 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1014 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1014 can also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1016, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1018) and an optical disk drive 1020, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1022 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1014, magnetic diskdrive 1016 and optical disk drive 1020 can be connected to the systembus 1008 by a hard disk drive interface 1024, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1026 and an optical drive interface 1028, respectively. Theinterface 1024 for external drive implementations includes at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the subject innovation.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1000 the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer 1000, such aszip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, can also be used in the exemplary operating environment, andfurther, that any such media can contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods of the disclosed innovation.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1012,including an operating system 1030, one or more application programs1032, other program modules 1034 and program data 1036. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1012. It is to be appreciated that the innovation canbe implemented with various commercially available operating systems orcombinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1000 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1038 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1040. Other input devices (not shown)can include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 1004 through an input deviceinterface 1042 that is coupled to the system bus 1008, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1044 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 1008 through an interface, such as a video adapter 1046. Inaddition to the monitor 1044, a computer 1000 typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1000 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections by wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1048. The remotecomputer(s) 1048 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentdevice, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer,although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1050 isillustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wirelessconnectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1052 and/or larger networks,e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1054. Such LAN and WAN networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitateenterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which canconnect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1000 isconnected to the local network 1052 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1056. The adapter 1056 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1052, which canalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adapter 1056.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1000 can includea modem 1058, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN1054, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1054, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1058, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1008 through the input device interface 1042. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1050. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexemplary and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer is operable to communicate with any wireless devices orentities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefinedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from acouch at home, in a hotel room, or a conference room at work, withoutwires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a cellphone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and receivedata indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Finetworks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, etc.) toprovide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi networkcan be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and towired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networksoperate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps(802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

An aspect of 5G, which differentiates from previous 4G systems, is theuse of NR. NR architecture can be designed to support multipledeployment cases for independent configuration of resources used forRACH procedures. Since the NR can provide additional services than thoseprovided by LTE, efficiencies can be generated by leveraging the prosand cons of LTE and NR to facilitate the interplay between LTE and NR,as discussed herein.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” or “anembodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment,” “in one aspect,” or “in an embodiment,” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

As used in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the terms “component,”“system,” “interface,” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution, and/or firmware. As anexample, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a processrunning on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a threadof execution, computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration and not limitation, both an applicationrunning on a server and the server can be a component

One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread ofexecution and a component can be localized on one computer and/ordistributed between two or more computers. In addition, these componentscan execute from various computer readable media having various datastructures stored thereon. The components can communicate via localand/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having oneor more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting withanother component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across anetwork such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). Asanother example, a component can be an apparatus with specificfunctionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric orelectronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application orfirmware application executed by one or more processors, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and can executeat least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confer(s) at least in part the functionalityof the electronic components. In an aspect, a component can emulate anelectronic component via a virtual machine, e.g., within a cloudcomputing system. While various components have been illustrated asseparate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components canbe implemented as a single component, or a single component can beimplemented as multiple components, without departing from exampleembodiments In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are usedherein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment ordesign described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarilyto be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or.” That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “mobile device equipment,” “mobile station,”“mobile,” subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,”“communication device,” “mobile device” (and/or terms representingsimilar terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by asubscriber or mobile device of a wireless communication service toreceive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming orsubstantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing termsare utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the relateddrawings. Likewise, the terms “access point (AP),” “Base Station (BS),”BS transceiver, BS device, cell site, cell site device, “Node B (NB),”“evolved Node B (eNode B),” “home Node B (HNB)” and the like, areutilized interchangeably in the application, and refer to a wirelessnetwork component or appliance that transmits and/or receives data,control, voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream orsignaling-stream from one or more subscriber stations. Data andsignaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows. Furthermore,the terms “device,” “communication device,” “mobile device,”“subscriber,” “customer entity,” “consumer,” “customer entity,” “entity”and the like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based on complex mathematical formalisms), which canprovide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.Embodiments described herein can be exploited in substantially anywireless communication technology, comprising, but not limited to,wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), global system for mobile communications(GSM), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), worldwideinteroperability for microwave access (WiMAX), enhanced general packetradio service (enhanced GPRS), third generation partnership project(3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), third generation partnership project 2(3GPP2) ultra mobile broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA),Z-Wave, Zigbee and other 802.XX wireless technologies and/or legacytelecommunication technologies.

Systems, methods and/or machine-readable storage media for facilitatinga two-stage downlink control channel for 5G systems are provided herein.Legacy wireless systems such as LTE, Long-Term Evolution Advanced(LTE-A), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) etc. use fixed modulationformat for downlink control channels. Fixed modulation format impliesthat the downlink control channel format is always encoded with a singletype of modulation (e.g., quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK)) and hasa fixed code rate. Moreover, the forward error correction (FEC) encoderuses a single, fixed mother code rate of ⅓ with rate matching. Thisdesign does not take into the account channel statistics. For example,if the channel from the BS device to the mobile device is very good, thecontrol channel cannot use this information to adjust the modulation,code rate, thereby unnecessarily allocating power on the controlchannel. Similarly, if the channel from the BS to the mobile device ispoor, then there is a probability that the mobile device might not beable to decode the information received with only the fixed modulationand code rate. As used herein, the term “infer” or “inference” refersgenerally to the process of reasoning about, or inferring states of, thesystem, environment, user, and/or intent from a set of observations ascaptured via events and/or data. Captured data and events can includeuser data, device data, environment data, data from sensors, sensordata, application data, implicit data, explicit data, etc. Inference canbe employed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate aprobability distribution over states of interest based on aconsideration of data and events, for example.

Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composinghigher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inferenceresults in the construction of new events or actions from a set ofobserved events and/or stored event data, whether the events arecorrelated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and datacome from one or several event and data sources. Various classificationschemes and/or systems (e.g., support vector machines, neural networks,expert systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, and data fusionengines) can be employed in connection with performing automatic and/orinferred action in connection with the disclosed subject matter.

In addition, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device, machine-readable device, computer-readablecarrier, computer-readable media, machine-readable media,computer-readable (or machine-readable) storage/communication media. Forexample, computer-readable media can comprise, but are not limited to, amagnetic storage device, e.g., hard disk; floppy disk; magneticstrip(s); an optical disk (e.g., compact disk (CD), a digital video disc(DVD), a Blu-ray Disc™ (BD)); a smart card; a flash memory device (e.g.,card, stick, key drive); and/or a virtual device that emulates a storagedevice and/or any of the above computer-readable media. Of course, thoseskilled in the art will recognize many modifications can be made to thisconfiguration without departing from the scope or spirit of the variousembodiments

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subjectdisclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the preciseforms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are describedherein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possiblethat are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples,as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

In this regard, while the subject matter has been described herein inconnection with various embodiments and corresponding FIGs, whereapplicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can beused or modifications and additions can be made to the describedembodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitutefunction of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom.Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to anysingle embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed inbreadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: facilitating, by a devicecomprising a processor, a first transmission of a first resourceconfiguration to a first distributed unit, wherein the first resourceconfiguration is related to first measurement resources of a first radiolink between a user equipment and the first distributed unit;facilitating, by the device, a second transmission of a second resourceconfiguration to a second distributed unit, wherein the second resourceconfiguration is related to a second measurement resource of a secondradio link between the user equipment and the second distributed unit;assigning, by the device, a first timer and counter pair for a firstdetection of a first radio link interruption, and a second timer andcounter pair for a second detection of a second radio link interruption;and implementing, by the device, an inter-distributed unit switchprocedure between the first distributed unit and the second distributedunit in response to a detection of a blockage-based beam failure eventof a millimeter wave.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first radiolink interruption is between the user equipment and the firstdistributed unit, and wherein the method further comprises: determining,by the device, that a radio link interruption has occurred based on anexpiration of the first timer.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising: prior to the implementing of the inter-distributed unitswitch procedure, receiving, by the device, a report that comprisesmeasurements of the first resource configuration, wherein the report isreceived from the user equipment in response to the detection of theblockage-based beam failure event of the millimeter wave.
 4. The methodof claim 1, wherein the second radio link interruption is between theuser equipment and the second distributed unit, and wherein the methodfurther comprises: determining, by the device, that a radio linkinterruption has occurred based on an expiration of the second timer. 5.The method of claim 4, further comprising: prior to the implementing ofthe inter-distributed unit switch procedure, receiving, by the device, areport that comprises measurements of the second resource configuration,wherein the report is received from the user equipment in response tothe detection of the blockage-based beam failure event of the millimeterwave.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the assigning comprisesassigning the first timer and counter pair and the second timer andcounter pair based on user equipment-specific resources.
 7. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first distributed unit is a cell deviceservicing the user equipment and the second distributed unit is aneighboring cell device.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstdistributed unit is associated with a first transmission/reception nodeservicing the user equipment and the second distributed unit isassociated with a second transmission/reception node.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: prior to the facilitating of the firsttransmission and the facilitating of the second transmission,coordinating, by the device, the first resource configuration and thesecond resource configuration among the first distributed unit and thesecond distributed unit.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thefacilitating of the first transmission and the facilitating of thesecond transmission is performed by a central unit communicativelycoupled to the first distributed unit and the second distributed unit.11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first distributed unit and thesecond distributed unit represent a function protocol split across afirst transmission/reception node and a second transmission/receptionnode, and wherein the first distributed unit controls the firsttransmission/reception node and the second distributed unit controls thesecond transmission/reception node.
 12. A system, comprising: aprocessor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor, facilitate performance of operations,comprising: communicating a first resource configuration to a firstdistributed unit and a second resource configuration to a seconddistributed unit, wherein the first resource configuration is related tofirst measurement resources of a first radio link between a userequipment and the first distributed unit, and wherein the secondresource configuration is related to a second measurement resource of asecond radio link between the user equipment and the second distributedunit; assigning a first timer and a first counter for a first detectionof a first radio link interruption and a second timer and a secondcounter for a second detection of a second radio link interruption; andimplementing an inter-distributed unit switch procedure between thefirst distributed unit and the second distributed unit in response to adetection of a blockage-based beam failure event of a millimeter wave.13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first radio link interruption isbetween the user equipment and the first distributed unit and the secondradio link interruption is between the user equipment and the seconddistributed unit, and wherein the operations further comprise:determining that a radio link interruption has occurred based on anexpiration of the first timer or the second timer.
 14. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the operations further comprise: prior to theimplementing the inter-distributed unit switch procedure, receiving areport that comprises measurements of the first resource configurationand the second resource configuration, wherein the report is receivedfrom the user equipment in response to the detection of theblockage-based beam failure event of the millimeter wave.
 15. The systemof claim 12, wherein the assigning comprises assigning the first timerand the first counter and the second timer and the second counter basedon user equipment-specific resources.
 16. The system of claim 12,wherein the first distributed unit is a cell device servicing the userequipment and the second distributed unit is a neighboring cell device.17. The system of claim 12, wherein the first distributed unit isassociated with a first transmission/reception node servicing the userequipment and the second distributed unit is associated with a secondtransmission/reception node.
 18. A non-transitory machine-readablemedium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:communicating a first resource configuration to a first distributed unitand a second resource configuration to a second distributed unit;configuring a first timer and counter combination for a first detectionof a first radio link interruption between a device and the firstdistributed unit; and switching a communication of data flow packetsfrom a first radio link between a user equipment and the firstdistributed unit to a second radio link between the device and thesecond distributed unit based on detection of a blockage of a millimeterwave associated with the communication of data flow packets between thedevice and the first distributed unit.
 19. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the operations furthercomprise: prior to the communicating, generating a first report thatcomprises the first resource configuration related to first measurementresources of the first radio link between the device and a firstdistributed unit of distributed units of a communications network; andgenerating a second report that comprises the second resourceconfiguration related to a second measurement of the second radio linkbetween the device and the second distributed unit.
 20. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the firstdistributed unit and the second distributed unit represent a functionprotocol split across a first transmission/reception node and a secondtransmission/reception node, and wherein the first distributed unitcontrols the first transmission/reception node and the seconddistributed unit controls the second transmission/reception node.